Turn: Washington’s Spies is really starting to heat up. And not just because this week’s episode contained quite a fiery battle. Rather, after last week’s slow burn, melodramatic episode, this week’s really cranked things up and kept my interest throughout. The most interesting characters are finally getting their chance to shine, and even the most misused characters (*cough*Anna Strong*cough*) are getting their time to shine. Season three has corrected tons of mistakes in character arcs, and all leading up to this strong, action packed hour.
This week on Turn: Washington’s Spies: Anna, now at camp with Ben and Caleb, gets a chance to prove herself to Washington. Abraham is entangled between Simcoe and Rogers. Robert Townsend learns of Andre’s plan to inject counterfeit continental dollars to the new world, and de-value it. Judge Woodhull makes a deal with Mary.
I found this episode to be the opposite of its predecessor in every way. Last week’s episode, though injected with some moderately interesting dramatic plots, was (for lack of a better term) a snooze. Though some strong acting kept things going, last week’s installment was just not up to the previously set standard of Season 3 episodes. This week’s more than made up for it, though.
Every bit of the drama between Abe, Rogers, and Simcoe was dripping with tension. Rogers and Simcoe are two of the strongest links on the whole show, so you know this story is going to end well (or at least be awesome to watch). Bringing Abraham in with them was the smart play. I like Abraham, but I like him better counteracted the two strongest personalities on the show. Angus MacFayden, Jamie Bell and Samuel Roukin all destroyed their scenes in this episode.
I really appreciate how far Mary has come as a character. I hated her so much when the show started. But when she joined in with Abe and helped him with his spying, things really got interesting for her. Meegan Warner is a wonderful actress and has a lot to do with the development, but I was just observing this episode, as Mary pleaded with Judge Woodhull to save Abraham’s hide, how much more I liked Mary than Anna now, which is a total reversal from the previous seasons.
That said, I think Anna’s new function in the spy ring is working out nicely. Heather Lind is wonderful. I’ve been a fan of her work in a few other places that I’ve seen it. So I had been disappointed that the show was mishandling her in Season 3. Mostly, I think they’ve corrected that now. She made a meaningful contribution that has little to do with Abraham, and that’s a huge step in the right direction.
I always enjoy the bits of this show with Robert Townsend. I’ve been increasingly more interested in his character as the series has gone along. The addition of John Carroll Lynch as Townsend’s “partner” has added an extra layer to all of those scenes, as well.
How about that battle scene, when Ben and Caleb got their revenge on that guy? Wasn’t that awesome. I love the battles on this show. Maybe it’s because there aren’t many.
Really, the only thing I can think to ask for is more Washington. He was barely on screen in this episode, and has been sparsely involved in the season so far. I think the show is doing fine, but Washington’s presence makes it feel less like a “period drama” and more like a “Revolutionary War Drama”.
I liked this episode a lot, and I’m hopeful that the trajectory they’ve created continues and does not falter. Luckily, with Simcoe and Rogers at odds, there’s a LOT of fun to be had.
What did you guys think? Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know !!
Turn: Washington’s Spies airs Mondays at 10/9c on AMC
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